PCG logs over 907,000 sea passengers as maritime incidents occur during Undas

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 01, 2026

Photo Courtesy: PCG

More than 907,000 passengers travelled through seaports across the Philippines during the Undas period, as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) responded to several maritime emergencies involving boats, passenger vessels and swimmers.

The PCG recorded a total of 907,127 passengers from October 29 to November 1, according to the latest figures cited in a report by the Manila Bulletin. The number was lower than the 1.5 million passengers monitored during last year’s Undas.

Among the incidents was the partial submersion of motorized banca M/B Rose Marie 1 near Dalupiri Island in Calayan, Cagayan, on October 31. All eight crew members were rescued and brought to a local health facility for medical assessment. One sustained a wound on the right knee, while some were assessed for possible hypertension.

Another incident involved the roll-on/roll-off vessel MV Virgen de Peñafrancia II, which tilted near Real Port in Quezon early October 30. The Coast Guard rescued all 40 passengers and 18 crew members on board.

The vessel was carrying 14 rolling cargo units and around 1,300 liters of marine diesel oil. Authorities deployed oil spill containment equipment while an investigation into the incident continued. The Maritime Industry Authority also suspended the vessel’s safety certificate pending inspection and evaluation.

Meanwhile, eight people were rescued after a motorized boat capsized off Pulupandan, Negros Occidental, after encountering large waves on October 29.

In La Union, Coast Guard personnel, assisted by local fishermen, also rescued four swimmers who were swept away by strong currents off Barangay San Francisco in San Fernando City.

Amid the increased volume of travelers and maritime emergencies, the PCG intensified patrols and search-and-rescue operations to ensure passenger safety throughout the holiday period.

The agency has reminded the public to monitor weather and sea conditions, wear life jackets and avoid travelling by sea when conditions are rough.